Gents,I am in a somewhat tricky situation. My 1980 6.9 is at the SoCal Mercedes workshop. They have suddenly verified that one of my rear suspension struts have a shaft leak, after being bench tested at a reputable Mercedes suspension repair shop.

So since we are taking the 6.9 on a 14 day road trip to Vancouver Canada later this week, I urgently need one rear strut in working condition.

Anyone here that are able to help me out? All suggestions appreciated!Thanks

there's leak and there's leaks. They nearly all leak one way or the other.!!. if it can hold the car up over night soldier on.!A shaft leak implies it's escaping...weeping. how fast ? how visible? how quick is the reservoir going down? You have a couple of days to determine if it's a nuisance or game changing. If it's obvious and a bad weep, and if you can't get a replacement strut, plan on another vehicle. These things don't go kaput over night. I'm suggesting its a like a slow tyre leak. damn nuisance but can be topped up to keep you going until you can get it fixed.

Thanks Randy,Really appreciate your insight on this subject. I just talked to the shop owner where my car is and he says now the same thing as you are saying. It’s not really a big leak, more like weeping, as you say. And car stays up for several days. So we are inclined to do the road trip to Canada in the 6.9 as planned.

But I find it strange that there are not many who can overhaul these hydraulic struts.Thanks

The hardest part is finding seal kits and it seems those that have found suppliers are rather secretive about their research. I will DIY when I find a source for the seals. And I will posting my sources here.

You have to keep in mind the factory never intended to repair the struts and it was a dark day when they became NLA and apparently all the tooling was destroyed by Sachs. The least they could do is provide seals....

I hope the cells don't go the same way and become NLA. No idea what I'd do then!